I received this message from an author and honored by being the inspiration for authors, writers and even podcasters to keep it going!… Please support Pamela in her new publishing endeavor!

Hi Sylvia,

As a former or future guest on the YB2C Live! Podcast for Entrepreneurs, I wanted to let you know that my newest book, “It Takes Ten Years to Become an Overnight Success” is now available in print and Kindle versions on Amazon!

The book tells the story of my ten-year journey in entrepreneurship from Year 1, 2008-2009, through our 10th anniversary in July of 2018.

I started with one business and grew to three businesses PLUS the podcast over that ten-year span!

I didn’t start out thinking I would have all that I have now, but just like we discuss on the podcast, everyone has a story to tell about their entrepreneurial journey.

If you’d like to read my story, including the ups and downs and successes and challenges, just like we do on the podcast. I would be honored if you would invest in the book AND leave a review on Amazon.

“Unlike anything I have ever read —thriller, myth, dream, and poem combined … Written in an immaculate, lyrically charged, uncannily autonomous prose, this lovely novel is at once a modern story about money and politics and sexual violence, and an ancient fable of grievance and justice.” —James Wood, staff writer and book critic, The New Yorker

“Betrayal and vengeance have rarely been so elegantly rendered … The beautiful prose exposes and illumines the cost of underestimating an extraordinary girl.” —Amy Hempel

How do you take revenge against someone protected by firewalls of wealth and power?

A radical departure from contemporary storytelling, HANNAH VERSUS THE TREE enthralls the reader immediately and unfolds as an unerringly beautiful fable of lifelong love and a terrific act of vengeance. It presents nothing less than a new literary genre, the mythopoetic thriller.

At the centre of the story is Hannah, a fiercely intelligent young women, and heiress to her powerful family’s fortune. A devastating wrong is done to her when she opposes a family business scheme and her response is a battle cry of astounding violence and beauty. HANNAH VERSUS THE TREE is a gripping fable for our times which burns brightly on every page. There is sex and drugs, punk rock and anarchism, social media scandal and hacking. Rooted in the ancient, it nevertheless captures the wonder, strangeness, and fear of living in the early 21st century.

Although drawing on ancient myths, it is the perfect book for anyone today raging against the regime, impacted by the #metoo movement, and for all those looking for an escape. It is an exquisitely rendered celebration of the art of revenge – in particular against forces which seem too powerful to ever face the consequences of their actions.

Leland de la Durantaye is a critic, translator, and professor. He taught at the École Normale Supérieure and at Harvard for many years and now lives in Los Angeles, where he is a professor of comparative literature at the Claremont Colleges. His journalism and criticism have appeared in The New York Times, The London Review of Books, Bookforum, Artforum, The Believer, Cabinet, and others. He is also a translator from French and Italian; his translation of the Jacques Jouet novel UPSTAGED (2011) was a finalist for the PEN Best Translated Book of the Year. HANNAH VERSUS THE TREE is his first novel.

Where are you from? – I was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, but I have lived in Temperance MI for over 30 years now.

Tell us your latest news? – I am a self-published author with 4 books currently available. I am just starting book #5

When and why did you begin writing? – I can remember in 1972, at the age of 16, I wrote a detective novel that I asked my English teacher to review, so I have been writing for at least 46 years now. I have always enjoyed reading and I love the idea of manipulating characters and events to make a cohesive story.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? – I have always considered myself a writer for as long as I can remember. Though I didn’t consider myself an “author” until I self-published my first book – “Remorse By Degree” – in December 2015.

What inspired you to write your first book? – I suppose the urge to tell a convincing story is what inspired my first book.

Do you have a specific writing style? – I try to be realistic and accurate in my portrayal of people and situations. At one time I was heavy into mystery and suspense, but lately I have been more interested in examining people and the things they go through in life.

How did you come up with the title? – I love descriptive, evocative titles of books, and I try to follow through with that for my own writing. I try to make the title accurate, as in indication of what the story is about, yet hopefully I can grab people to make them want to learn more.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? – There’s a lot of hurt out there, especially with children in our society. Kids shouldn’t have to grow up suffering for their parents’ mistakes and shortcomings. Children are a precious commodity and they should be one of society’s most important considerations.

How much of the book is realistic? – I believe all of “The Robber Of Youth” is realistic, when you consider similar things are happening all the time and everything in the book has been experienced somewhere by somebody. The situations involved are all too real, but it is entirely a work of fiction.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life? – Four years ago I became a CASA volunteer. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, and we represent and look out for children involved in cases of abuse and neglect. I have seen families torn apart through hard times and things like addiction and alcoholism, and I have gone through training that has exposed me to a lot of harsh realities of what children sometimes have to go through. Though there are no particular incidents that led me to this book, it can be considered an amalgam of many of the things I have seen and experienced in my work through CASA.

What books have most influenced your life most? – As a writer I have drawn inspiration from John Steinbeck for his characterizations and realism, Michael Crichton for his pacing, and the Doc Savage series because it got me interested in reading in the first place.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? – I met Michigan author Monica Sholar at a library function almost 4 years ago. Hearing her talk about self-publishing inspired me to take the plunge myself. Thank you, Monica.

What book are you reading now? – Lately I have been re-reading the collected short stories of Sherlock Holmes. I still enjoy a good mystery.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? – I don’t read nearly as much as I would like to, and I hate to admit I am not familiar enough with any new authors to have read any of their works.

What are your current projects? – I am just starting book number five now. I am working on some things to promote myself online, but I have a long way to go – and a lot yet to learn – concerning selling myself and my books.

Do you see writing as a career? – I would love writing to become a career for me one of these days, but at the rate, I am going that looks doubtful. I hope to retire from my day job in a couple of years. Maybe then I can devote more time and effort to my writing and see it become a career for me.

If you had it to do over again, would you change anything in your latest book? – You can change and rearrange and revise forever. At some point, you have to say this is the story I want to tell and I have told it to the best of my ability. I see no reason to change anything that I have already published.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? – My interest in writing has always been there for as long as I can remember.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? – I have just started Book 4 of “The CASA Chronicles”. Like the others in the series, it begins with an incident in a child’s life that causes concern about their well-being. The CASA volunteer then follows the case, attempting to discover what happened and why it happened. They also monitor the progress of the children and families to verify if there is an improvement in the situation. Like my second book in the series – “Born For Adversity” – this one will be a bit more of a mystery. An 8-year-old girl receives a gunshot wound at home under mysterious circumstances. An investigation follows and slowly the secrets behind the incident come to light. I don’t work from an outline, but rather from an idea of where I am starting and where the story needs to end up. All I need to do then is fill in the pieces in-between.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? – I find marketing – selling and promoting – to be the most difficult part of writing. These are things I don’t have a handle on and wish I knew more about.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? – John Steinbeck has long been my favorite author. His people seem believable to me, with a gritty realism. When the characters talk they sound like actual people, not someone made up. You can’t rely on them to be good – or bad – all the time. Human nature doesn’t work like that. I feel Steinbeck captured the way people truly are.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? – My CASA work occurs in Toledo Ohio, and it has taken me to parts of the city and allowed me to see things I never knew existed before. This has certainly influenced the way I portray people and places in my writing.

Who designed the covers? – I designed the first additions of my books, then quickly realized I needed something better. An author I met pointed me to Fivver.com for cover design work. I was able to get new covers designed, but I was extremely dissatisfied with the response and service I received through the site. I ended up re-vamping a lot of what the designer came up with. I guess you get what you pay for.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? – The hardest part of writing a book, as far as I am concerned, is finding the time to do it.

Did you learn anything about writing your book and what was it? – “The Robber Of Youth” revolves around a young girl who gets involved in a human trafficking ring. This was a difficult subject to approach, and I struggled over how descriptive I should be. While researching the topic I was amazed at how prevalent this problem is and – even more startling – how young some of the children are who are forced into this lifestyle. I’m hoping my book will raise awareness of this horrendous issue.

Do you have any advice for other writers? – Don’t expect to become a best seller and become rich. Chances are it will never happen. Write because you enjoy the process, not because you think it’s your ticket to riches.

Do you have anything specific you want to say to your readers? – My books are not light reading. Don’t expect a happy ending all the time. That doesn’t mean you want find glimmers of hope along the way. I am dealing with subjects I feel are important for people to be aware of. Though fiction, they are based firmly on reality. It’s a tough world out there for a lot of people. Ignoring bad things won’t make them go away.

Where are you from? I’m originally from the Detroit area, where I lived for many years before
moving to Kalamazoo in 2011.

Tell us your latest news? My next book, “Your Turn to Die” is the second Jefferson Chene
mystery, is at the publishers right now. Hopefully it will be released yet this year.

When and why did you begin writing? I was always writing stories as a kid. It was fun to create
characters and put them in difficult situations.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? About ten years ago I started getting serious
about working on a novel.What inspired you to write your first book? A friend recommended a mystery and said it was
great. I figured it out within the first 30 pages. When I gave it back to her, she said ‘if you’re so
smart, you should write your own mystery. I took up the challenge.

Do you have a specific writing style? Not really.

How did you come up with the title? My first two books (Devious and Vanishing Act) fit the
story well but turns out there are a number of other works with the same titles. Since then I’ve
tried to find something unique in the story that sets them apart (Fleeing Beauty and Why 319?)

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Get caught up in the characters
How much of the book is realistic? It’s all fiction, but set in current times. I use a lot of local
landmarks, particularly in the Detroit area, that readers will recognize.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? I do use some events
from my personal life to make the characters and actions realistic.

What books have most influenced your life most? The works of John D. MacDonald and Elmore
Leonard.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Elmore Leonard.

What book are you reading now? No Middle Name by Lee Child

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? James Rollins, Greg Iles, John
Sandford.

What are your current projects? Finishing the final edits for “Your Turn to Die” and starting on
the third book in the Jefferson Chene series.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. Writers workshops. It’s
a great way to gain honest feedback from others who are serious about creating great stories.

Do you see writing as a career? It’s one of my passions. If I can entertain the readers with my
stories and make some money along the way, that’s a bonus.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? No. After
numerous revisions and edits, it’s as close to perfect as I can get.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I’ve always been an avid reader. There
were several teachers along the way who encouraged me to write.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? The blurb for the cover is at the bottom of
this message.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Taking the time away from
writing to promote is always a challenge.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? It’s difficult to

choose just one. Old favorites were MacDonald and Leonard. New ones are Lee Child, John
Sandford and James Rollins. They all draw you into a story quickly and make you want to keep
reading.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I’ve done a number of author events
around Michigan but rely on my own experiences in Motown to enhance my writing.

Who designed the covers? Artists assigned by the publishers, but I do have input in the artwork.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? Editing. It’s always a challenge to trim the
story, to keep it flowing, eliminate redundancies and keeping the details straight.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? Patience.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Keep writing. Don’t be afraid to share your work
with others. Develop a thick skin. Welcome their feedback. When it’s ready, submit. Don’t be
discouraged if you get a rejection. Even the greatest authors do.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I’ve got a story you’re going
to love. See it begins when…

Blurb: It was supposed to be a friendly round of paintball. But blood, not paint, covers Kyle
Morrissey’s body. Though admired by the public for his charity, the businessman was no
choirboy. Could it be that more than one person want him dead? Sergeant Jefferson Chene and
his detective squad catch the case. With two new faces on the team, he finds himself in the
unfamiliar role as mentor. He is also cautiously beginning a relationship with Simone
Bettencourt, the beautiful woman he met while pursuing a serial murderer. Complicating the case
are two retired gangsters, a fortune in jewels, and Detroit’s history of organized crime. But the
squad must utilize every resource available to catch a killer.

Alicea Davis is an inspirational spoken word poet, author and artist. Driven by her calling to bring light into our world, she create projects that helps to heal and empower others. The Detroit-native has shared her passionate messages by being featured on a variety of television shows, radio shows, public schools, college campuses, churches and more. She is the founder of Esteem Builders Publications Company which has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Davis has been married to her wonderful husband Benjamin for 9 years and she is a devoted member of Auburn Hills Christian Center.

Tell us your latest news?
Sold six books at a lung transplant patient/donor picnic.

When and why did you begin writing?
Two years ago. First and only book (so far) self-published December 2017.
In 2008 I underwent double lung transplant surgery at the University of Michigan Hospital. It was a
difficult and painful procedure, but I used humor to survive. It’s now 10 ½ years later, and I’m doing
great.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think in the 6th grade. Our teacher would put a Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post picture in front of
us and we would have to create a story from the picture. I always received A’s for my work.
I worked in the theatre and I wrote the bios for the actors for the programs. I also owned a murder
mystery company and I wrote all of the scripts.

What inspired you to write your first book?
Friends would ask me about my surgery, and I really didn’t like to talk about it. It was one of the most
difficult times of my life. And I really couldn’t tell everything in one sitting, so I put it all down in a book
so people would know the whole story. AND . . . many are very surprised at what I went through.

Do you have a specific writing style?
Many people have said how raw and honest my writing is. “I could hear your voice.” “It was though you
were sitting next to me telling me the story.”

How did you come up with the title?
My father was 59 years old when he died from complications due to emphysema. When I was diagnosed
with the disease at age 56 I was terrified I only had three more years to live. Three months before the
double lung transplant he came to me in a dream. In the dream, I was in the hospital. He came over to the
bed, gently took my hand and said, “I’ll See You Later.” With the emphasis on “later.” It was so real that
I saw him, felt him and heard him, but he had died 37 years before. I interpreted the dream to mean not
to worry and that I was going to be just fine.

Is there a message in your novel memoir that you want readers to grasp?
I express how important it is for organ donation, and that it doesn’t matter what age you are. At this time
in this country, 114,000 people are waiting for some type of organ transplant. If my donor hadn’t been
available, I would probably be dead by now. Many candidates do pass before organs are made available
to them.

I also express how important it is to become your own advocate in the face of medical situations. I belie
the fact that doctors and nurses know everything. I encourage readers to know when to say no to medical
situations or procedures, and to trust what their body is telling them. If they feel something isn’t right or
isn’t going to benefit them, then, by all means, they need to speak up. And if they can’t do it on their own,
hospitals have patient advocates to do it for them.

How much of the book is realistic?
It’s ALL realistic. My true experiences.

Are experiences based on someone you know or events in your own life?
Yes.

What books have most influenced your life most?
Who Moved My Cheese, Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow, The Artist’s Way, When Bad
Things Happen to Good People, Diary of Anne Frank.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Anne Frank.

What book are you reading now?
In between books.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Katherine Stone. Young Adult Fiction. The Reappearance of Tom Ferris and The Arsonist. (Michigan
author).

What are your current projects?
None for writing.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The theatre where I worked.

Do you see writing as a career?
I’m 68 years old and retired, so I’m not looking for a career.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I forgot a couple of things that I would insert. Like the fact that my mother was a girl scout leader and to
this day girls who were in the troop tell me how much they loved her.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Sixth Grade.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
None.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I wanted everything to be perfect the first time so I would dwell on a sentence or paragraph. I finally
learned to let it go and just write and come back to that sentence/paragraph later.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Agatha Christie. I love her mysteries. And when you think about the time she was writing, she was pretty
dicey. Way ahead of her time.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No. Not yet.

Who designed the covers?
I did.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Same as above. I wanted everything to be perfect the first time so I would dwell on a sentence or
paragraph. I finally learned to let it go and just write and come back to that sentence/paragraph later.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Patience.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t feel like you have to write the book all in one day. Write down whatever thoughts come to your
mind. Have paper and pen/pencil handy at all times. Let the characters, in fiction, speak to you.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I hope that after you read my book you’ll sign up to be an organ donor. 10% of the proceeds for the sale
of my book go to The Gift of Life.

As an accomplished actress, Cathie Higgins Weir has seen many strange things in her thirty years on stage, but ten years ago she encountered an amazing sight while waiting for a double lung transplant. Her father appeared to her in a dream.

This ghost simply told his daughter, “I’ll see you later.”

The phrase would both haunt and comfort her during the demanding times ahead. As Weir recounts in this new memoir, she had been diagnosed with emphysema at fifty-six. Her father died at fifty-nine. She was terrified she only had three years to live.

Was her father’s appearance a warning? In the hilarious, harrowing adventure ahead, Weir would learn the truth.

Weir’s memoir isn’t merely about her personal fight with emphysema but expands its scope to look at the realities of organ donation, the importance of being your own medical advocate, and the bonds that connect donors, recipients, and their entire support networks.

Okay, that didn’t just happen. It was a dream. Wasn’t it? No, that was real. It felt real. The machines churned laboriously. The faint light became dimmer, the dreary walls seemed duller.

He entered the room dressed in his off-the-rack suit from Sears. But wait a minute, something wasn’t right. He never dressed up. What was happening?

He walked over to the bed, gently took my hand. “I’ll see you later,” my father said. But it wasn’t with words . . . telepathically? Even though I saw him, I heard him, I felt him, I knew it couldn’t be real. My father had been dead for 37 years.

He passed away at the age of 59 due to complications from emphysema. When I was diagnosed with the same disease at 56, I was terrified I only had three more years to live.

Second Time Sweeter: A Blessings Novel

NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins continues her beloved Blessings series with a new heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.

Malachi “Mal” July has run into trouble in the past. With a reputation as a player, he’s now a recovering alcoholic and has made progress in redeeming himself in the eyes of his family and the citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas. He’s not only turned his diner into a profitable business, but also mentors the town’s foster kids. And he’s even staying true to one woman—Bernadine Brown.

But all it takes is a moment of pride to blind Mal to his blessings—a moment that makes him betray his friends and family, and lose Bernadine’s trust and love. Will he ever be able to win her forgiveness?

Meanwhile Homecoming Weekend is fast approaching, and store owner Gary Clark is reunited with his high school sweetheart. All it takes is a few minutes for them to realize the spark is still there, but is it too late for second chances?

A little help from the good people of Henry Adams may give both Mal and Gary the best second chance at the happiness they missed the first time around…

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Getting what I see in my head on the page. I almost have to method act out the scene before I write it. Its very emotional, but I think those who read and love my books find the experience very emotional and viceral.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? Kerrigan Byrne. While I am not a huge romance reader, her writing just makes me bleed, and hurt and fall in love. Again, I am all about the experience. I also love the great, the amazing and the legendary Judith McNaught. Last but not least John Jakes, he gave me my love of the Revolutionary War.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? yes, all the time. London, Upstate New-York, Boston. I am a research purist. If I havenet seen it, I dont write it!

Who designed the covers? Myself and my amazing friend Steve Miller. www.lookatmydesigns.com. I call him my Picasso. He’s inspired and he gets my vision.

What was the hardest part of writing your book? Reliving my own pain and making peace with it. And the obvious things, writing style, creating your own voice.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? That I can do anything, if I put my mind to it-the Tory is proof of that. Just because you fail and things don’t work out, doesn’t mean life wont throw you another option.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Dont give up no matter what. Just because someone tells you something isnt good, doesnt mean that it isn’t. Everyone has an opinion and they will give you it whether you want it or not. Find people you trust and let them guide and help you.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I hope you love The Tory, and know there are two more books to come about these two characters. So it dose not end at The Tory! For me this book was a labor of love. Its deep, emotional story about

It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice…

In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray.

But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people.

Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…

two lovers who have lost everything and together they find a way to make it in a war torn world. I hope you have laugh, cry, fall in love and learn a little about the Revolutionary War.

Don’t forget if you haven’t read the first part of this wonderful interview with the awesome author, click here

Subscribe to The Motown Writers Network to get more interview . Please don’t forget to support her literary endeavors by purchasing her book, reviewing and sharing your review or this interview with other readers.

Detroit has found its griot in Herb Boyd. Traditional West African storytellers, griots carry their people’s traditions from generation to generation, and are renowned for their encyclopedic knowledge, their wit and their ability to bridge the past and present. In the tradition of the griot, Boyd has written a song of praise to what he calls “the city’s glorious history.” BUY BOOK NOW

read more https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/books/review/black-detroit-herb-boyd.html

About Detroit Indie Author & Filmmaker:

Phette Hollins is a self-proclaimed Human Vault, and Head of the Storytelling Ministry. She empowers people to be brave and courageous in the pursuit of their authentic selves through her books and films, where she shares stories of healing and getting unstuck by removing the layers and getting to the core of our “issues.” Learn more at: bit.ly/phettewritesbooks.

When and why did you begin writing? I wrote my first book when I was 15, but I restarted writing recently as part of counceling, to help me cope with anxiety of loosing a job and a my father becoming ill all at the same time. I wrote The Tory as part of a therapy technigue instead of journaling. When I finished, my councelor read the book and loved it. So here I am, a published author.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? The day The Tory was released. LOL. I have a bit of an inferiority complex, because I know some AMAZING authors.

Book Cover Design

What inspired you to write your first book? I mentioned this above, but also, I love the American Revolution and I feel like it is under represented in fiction. So it was a combination of therapy and my love of the time period

Do you have a specific writing style? YEESSS!! Deep third person perspective. I love gritty, graphic, sexy, raw novels. Like a good cable mini-series. I want to bleed, cry, fall and love and get a little hot under the collar when I read.

How did you come up with the title? My story is about a British Spy undercover as a Tory profiteer, hence the name.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Yes, that there were good people on both sides of war. Any war! That the same values and truths we hold dear are universal to all people and time periods. And if we would look to the history, the true history, not the mocked up happy verison we want to see, all things can be explained. And love really does conqure all, if we open our heart to it.

How much of the book is realistic? All of it. I did my best to keep the history correct, as it is a Historical Fiction with romantic elements.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Yes, painfully so. This book was therapy, my personal story is buried within the fiction and history. While some of the events are dramatized and creations of my mind, some of it is very much part of me. I am very much both of my main characters, though one is a man. His personal struggles and emotional ones, while dramatized in some form are my own. That is all I will say, as an author, allow me a little fun and the ability to keep the mystery.

What books have most influenced your life most? North and South, and The Bastard by John Jakes. The Help. 1776. Wow, there are many, but they really influenced me as a writer, not so much my life.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? If I could pick a mentor it would be Kerrigan Byre, I love her as a person (Ive met her once, but she’s lovely) and cuz her prose just makes me feel. She’s amazing. Also, Donna Thorland, I love her Revolutionary War fiction, its fab!

What book are you reading now? The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christina Blevins. Love me some Revolutionary War fiction

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Yes, Layla Omorose, I know her from Romantic Times and I love her stuff.Jo Michaels, she’s my copy editor, but I’m just now getting into her writing

What are your current projects? Books #2 The Traitor and #3 The Turncoat of The Rebels and Redcoats Saga

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. My editor Kathe Robin, and the Romatic Time Community which is sadly no more.

Do you see writing as a career? It’s a side career for me, if I did it full time, I think I wouldnt love it as much. Art must be pure and come from inspiration, so I have to wait for it, not be forced into it.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? Not a thing. The Tory and all its characters are very, very special to me. It was my solace when I could find none.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? When I was a little girl and I had lots of nightmares, my mother told me to re-create a move or a favorite book in my head and then create my own ending to it, the one I would like to see. That’s when I started really being creative. Hence I wrote like 5 version of Mary Poppins in my sleepless childhood nights. LOL. Still love P.L. Travers today.

It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice…

In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray.

But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people.

Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…

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Tell us your latest news?Compelled to Murder was chosen for the book of the month of April by EyeCU Reading Network. I will also be participating in the Hustle&Grind book fair on May 19th hosted by Hood Book Headquarters.

When and why did you begin writing? I started writing in 2004. I was prompted to write by the vivid dreams I was experiencing.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? I considered myself a writer once I completed my first screenplay in 2004.

What inspired you to write your first book? I sent my screenplay A Reason to Kill to a literary company. They responded, asking me to change it to book form. This is what ultimately made me convert my screenplay into a novel.

Do you have a specific writing style? I do not have a specific writing style. It just flows.

How did you come up with the title? I wanted the readers to feel a pull of interest toward my book, just from reading the title and viewing cover, so “Compelled to Murder” is what I came up with. I figured with the change from screenplay to novel it need a title change as well.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? I really want the readers to grasp the fact that everyone has faults, and understand how those faults can be played out. That actions have consequences…

How much of the book is realistic? The events are more realistic than not, but Compelled to Murder is fictitious.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? None of the events are based on a true story.

What books have most influenced your life most? I would say The Crucible influenced me the most. The chaos that ensued in the small town of Salem Massachusetts was unbelievable/shameful. I also loved “A Street Car Named Desire” and “Twelve Angry Men”.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? I’d be honored to have Stephen King as a mentor. What book are you reading now? I am reading “Dark Mountain” by Richard Laymon.Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? T.L. Criswell with the Peace MakerWhat are your current projects? I’m currently working on a fantasy novel.Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.The EyeCU Reading Network has been extremely supportive. The positivity of it’s members, the opportunities they spotlight, along with the information that they share with the literary community, are just a few things that make them a true gem. EyeCU Reading Network is an invaluable group of authors and readers!

Do you see writing as a career? I definitely see writing as a career.If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? If I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything in my book, however going forward if I am afforded the opportunity to showcase Compelled to Murder in a different form of art… I’d be open to changes. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I liked writing book reports on novels in high school.Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? The editing is the hardest part for me. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? I don’t have a favorite author, however I love the way Richard Laymon pulls you into his stories. He tells a good story.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I’ve not yet had the opportunity to travel because of my writing. That would be a dream come true.

Who designed the covers? I drew out the cover. My cousin, Amira Shaunice, author of Silence: The Complete Journey and creator/director of New York Girls TV, had it digitally made.What was the hardest part of writing your book?The hardest part of writing my book was choosing my wording and sticking with it.Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? Yes. I learned that the words you use have a great effect on people. Always write with emotion.Do you have any advice for other writers? My advice is to choose your words wisely… don’t rush… let it come to you.Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? want to thank my readers for allowing my work to be a part of their atmosphere. I can only hope I’ve provided them an experience that ran their emotions wild.

Like this:

Where are you from? Well I was born and raised in the city of Detroit, on the eastside.

Tell us your latest news? I do have some ideas for a new book for young adults. Also, I’m doing some author expos this summer.

When and why did you begin writing? I started writing when I was 17. I write to release emotions, energy, or when I have something to say about an issue. I kept a journal for 10 years and it helped me a great deal. When I got depressed I would write in my journal as a way to cope with pain. Plus I didn’t have a lot of friends in school; I kept to myself a lot. So writing in my journal was like talking to a best friend.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? After college (2013). I wanted to write a book about my college experience and what I got out of college to help others.

What inspired you to write your first book? After I finally graduated college in 2013 with a pre-law degree, I said to myself I wanted to help young people get through school and life in general. I got started on the book in September 2014.

Do you have a specific writing style? My writing style is conversational. I like to write as if I’m sitting down talking with the reader.

How did you come up with the title? I wanted to let people know you can accomplish your dreams with just 6 basic principles that are given in the book. And the book is based entirely in Detroit. So “6 Successful Things I Found in Detroit” was born.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Yes. I want readers to know you can do anything you set your mind too, that with the help of just 6 successful things you can be great.

How much of the book is realistic? The entire book is realistic. I have three brothers. Both of my parents worked in the auto plants. We moved to the East English Village area and stayed there for over 20 years. I graduated from Cass Tech high school in 2004. I entered WSU that same year and first majored in business. I spent years at WSU and loved the campus environment, the diverse student body, and curriculum.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? The events in my own life shape my book.

What books have most influenced your life most? I would say Michael Jackson’s book “Moonwalk” and Richard Wright’s “Black Boy.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? It’s a tie between Toni Morrison and Steven King. They’re both are good at writing.

What book are you reading now? I have taken a little break from reading at the moment. My favorite books though are non- fiction books and books by black authors: Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Malcolm X, ete.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Colson Whitehead author of Underground Railroad.

What are your current projects? I do have another book about Detroit in mind.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.Co-workers.

Do you see writing as a career? Yes.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?No. I love the entire book.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?I kept a journal for 10 years and it helped me a great deal. When I got depressed I would write in my journal as a way to cope with pain.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? Sure. 6 Successful Things I Found in Detroit, is a non-fiction book, a quick easy read about 6 ways to be successful. The text is autobiographical and details my journey growing up in the city of Detroit.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? The hardest part about writing this book is going back and revisiting some painful memories like the death of my brother. As a writer you may have to reflect on some painful memories to prove something to the reader.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? Stephen King. He is good at taking things from his personal life and making them into great stories.”

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? Yes.

Who designed the covers?I designed the cover. I wanted the book’s cover to convey the central theme, which is higher education so I decided to put my graduation picture on there. I wanted to show the reader that if I can do it, you can to.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?Writers’ block. I had a 3 month writers’ block.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?Yes. I learned how hard it is to write a book. It looks easy but the book writing process is hard and time consuming. It can take years to see a book through from start to finish.

Do you have any advice for other writers?Yes. I would tell authors to write about what you know and are passionate about.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I want to say go out and buy the book on Amazon.com and I believe once you’re done, it will change your life. And thanks for the support!